#prefer solitary travel

[yeonslayjun]

The Qiandeng Tribune

Ghost City Breaking News:

Grand Uncle was spotted at Ireland and is now very popular in the Mortal world. Chengzhu has been reported to gushing over him at Gambler's Den last Night. Ghost City Residents think that Grand Uncle looks very cute and has fallen for his charms. Today morning Hua Chengzhu rewarded everyone who spread the news and compliments for his danxia. Ghost City Residents have decided to declare today a holiday dedicated for the two of them.

[daddyricsdoll]

Masquerade ✭ Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Summary: A night at a masquerade ball ended much better than you had ever dreamed of. Starting with two men and one you.

Warnings: Fingering, Oral (Male receiving), unprotected sex, double penetration, anal, creampies, degrading praise (good little slut), slapping, if I have missed anymore let me know.

Word count: 2.2k

A/N: Here is some highly anticipated papaya boys smut. I need Lando and Oscar to wear suits and take photos together as well as wearing masquerade ball masks so I can have the perfect header. This was based off of a request and I really hope this reaches expectations.

I walk into the ballroom, everyone's faces covered by masks. People linger around the bar and tables are scattered all around, the middle holds an orchestra and few couples dancing. My eyes search the room for anyone that I might recognise, but there wasn’t much luck.

I walk around the room, staying in the outer circle surrounding the dance floor. And then from across the room I meet eyes with a curly haired man and then with another man next to him. I had only just realised they had been doing the same as me, stalking around the room, observing everyone else.

But the difference between me and them was I was alone at the moment. The curly haired man gave me a smirk and the one next to him let out a chuckle. I wish I could see behind their masks, I just knew they were beautiful. Then their lips started moving, they spoke to each other but eyes never left me.

I questioned what they were talking about, I presumed me, but what about me? I’m glad I had a mask veiling my face or they would note my anxiety, so I forced my lips to curl and I surveyed the confidence in both men. They exchange their last words and then start walking in opposite ways, their confident strides show purpose and I know they have a plan to reach me. So while both of them are out of view, behind and between people, I make my way further back, getting buried by fellow guests. Finding a good sized area, that is scarcely hidden but still open to guests, I lean against the wall and wait for whichever one has more determination to reach me first.

“You moved.” I look up to the voice, his accent is different, australian and oh, I never knew I would go internally feral from a man's voice but here I am. “I figured you guys wouldn’t prefer the crowd.” I watch his mouth move into a smile and he emits the most beautiful chuckles. He takes a few steps closer to me. “Yeah, you’re right” The Australian's hand rests on the exposed skin of my thigh. His warm hand caresses my leg and the other leans on the wall behind me. His fingers travel further than the slit in my dress, sliding on my inner thigh then the outer, his eyes stuck on my face, watching every twitch and meticulously listening to every sound I make. 

“You started without me?” A voice speaks, and then the Australian man smirks and slowly pushes his body off mine to turn around and look at his friend. “Well you can’t expect me to just stand and watch her.” I attempt to hide my smile as I watch the two men converse and then they both turn my way. “Something funny?” The curly haired man asks, and finally I see the colour of his eyes, a mix of specks of blue and green.

“Oh no, you guys can carry on.” I wave them off, and then both of them start walking closer to me, concealing the crowd from my vision. 

“I’ll finish what Oscar started.” The blue eyed man purrs and his hand sneaks around my waist. I lean into his warm touch with an arched back, forcing myself into his crisp suit.

“Was his hand here?” He places his hand between the slit of my dress, I take a sharp breath and look over his shoulder at Oscar, he just nods his head and I fall into the touch of his friend. “Was it?” He asks me again and I nod my head, unable to find the solitary word to answer. He continues exploring the part of my exposed thigh before his hand slides into the middle, stroking my inner thigh and the tips of his fingers so close to my core.

The indigent feeling inside of me heightens and then his fingers start tickling the fabric of my thongs. I shudder from surprise but then move my hips closer to the feeling of his fingers. I look at the man whose substantial hands could ruin me by themselves and he gives me a charming smirk. “Do you think you can be quiet for me? And don’t worry, they won’t see you. Oscar’s here.” I nod again, giving him a little “a huh” and then his fingers finally make contact with the part of me I had only silently begged to be touched.

“You’re pretty wet for me huh?” He pushes his firm fingers underneath the thin fabric of my thongs and drags his calloused but delicate fingers through my desperate folds. 

My breath hitches and head inclines onto the wall. A large hand cups my cheek and turns my head so my eyes are locked with Oscars as he captures my lips in a kiss. I moan into Oscar's mouth as the other brunette curls his fingers inside of me.

“Be quiet for us now and then we’ll let you be as loud as you like.” He whispers against my ear making me clench around his thick fingers. This whole situation helps my climax arise. Two men using me, I only know one of their names and all our faces are covered by masks. 

Curses leave both of the men's lips and as another finger is added into me I feel my release creeping up on me. My eyes flick to each of the men and I can’t hold back a moan at both of their features. Each of their eyes ravenous and it makes my stomach do backflips.

One with an ocean and forest of colours. The other consists of my favourite chocolate and leather bag. My eyes shut tight as my climax reaches me and I force the moans down. Trying my best to keep the attention away from us. But when Oscar's fingers weave into my hair and pull my lips to his I can finally let the filthy sounds leave my mouth. 

Not long after I feel the loss of his fingers and I watch as Oscar clasps his lips around them. Oscar doesn’t lose eye contact with me as he sucks on the other man's fingers, tasting me. 

“Fuck Lando, she tastes good.” The Australian groans. “But I need more.” Suddenly I’m being pulled by the hand, I manage to catch all of my steps and follow as Oscar leads me out of the main ballroom, Lando not far behind. 

I didn’t have time to observe the room before Oscar commanded me to get on all fours. My dress being pulled up so the bottom half of my body is exposed and on display. I hear the door one more time and a “fuck” leaves Landos mouth before he circles my body and stands in front of me. My head tilts to look up at the Brit and a grin is on his face.

The cold air of the room is replaced by the warmth of Oscar’s hand on my ass. He makes my thongs disappear and the silence of the room is filled by the sound of his pants. I don’t have enough time to compose myself for his next moves so when I feel his dick slam inside of me I nearly collapse on the floor. His hands grip my hips so tightly I’m sure it’ll create bruises. My mouth is agape and my whole body moves at each of his rams. In front of me Lando starts to peel off his clothes, everything except his shirt and mask. My walls flutter as my eyes make contact with Landos thick cock. I see the vein that runs along his shaft and wish to trace it with my fingers. 

Oscar’s thrust never loses power and I just imagine what this whole situation will look like from his view. How his dick would look as he completely ruins me. How it looks as Lando thrusts his dick into my mouth. 

The momentum of Oscar ramming into me forces Lando’s dick to immediately hit the back of my throat. I don’t realise that my climax has come to me a second time this night until an involuntary whine leaves my mouth and words finally leave Oscar’s mouth. 

“Fuck, such a good little slut coming all over my dick and taking Lando too.”

I expect him to stop driving into me with so much force, but the change never comes. Both of the men ruthlessly thrust into me, and I hold no control over my body. 

A harsh slap lands on my ass and I can’t help but whine full of pleasure. That whine brings vibrations throughout all of Lando’s dick and he curses repeatedly before releasing in my mouth. 

He pulls out to see his cum covering my tongue and the inside of my mouth making him groan and his dick is still as hard as it was when he first shoved it into my mouth. “Swallow, I want you to swallow every little drop of my cum like the good slut we know you are. Right Oscar?” 

Another slap against the skin of my ass is the reply he gives to Lando and me. And being the good little slut I am, I do exactly what Lando asks of me. I swallow all of his cum and then open my mouth to show him how well I followed his instructions. “Fuck Oscar, I wanna be inside of her.” Lando nearly pleads and the grunt that emits from Oscar was a reply and an indication that he’s reaching his climax. I clenched around Oscar’s dick and it was all he needed to ultimately release inside of me.

Filling me up with his cum and barely riding his high out with a couple harsh thrusts before pulling out. I don’t hear his quiet steps until he stands in front of me, his dick covered in my arousal and his own cum. Both of his hands grip my arms, lifting my body up to kneel below him. He doesn’t have to tell me what he wants as my lips wrap around his dick. I can’t hold back my moans and Oscar cuts them off with a quick but strong thrust. 

“Fuck. Oscar, you really filled her up. But it’s my turn now.” Lando’s words help me acknowledge the feeling of Oscar’s cum slowly dripping down my leg. I clean up his dick, but not without whines and moans. Once I’m done he lifts my body up and the spot on the floor where I just knelt is now sat with Lando. “Come here pretty girl. You’re gonna ride me.” I knew my body couldn’t handle it, but oh I couldn’t stop myself from going to him. 

I hold onto his toned chest as I lower onto his dick, taking into consideration his thickness and the stretch accompanied by a little sting. His large hands hold my hips in the same spot that Oscar had gripped them earlier and I look down at him with watery eyes. 

I make sure to go as low as I can, so I can feel Lando even deeper. My clit rubs against his skin and the friction is now an unforgettable sensation. 

I gained some more contact, but not from Lando this time. I feel Oscar’s hands help lift my body, but not lead me off Lando. I let him move me and he whispers in my ear. “Do you think you can take me too?” Just the thought makes me moan and clench around Lando. “Y-yes.” I breathe out and it doesn’t take long until I feel the tip of Oscar's dick press against my hole.

I have to stop moving and I hold my breath as he slowly inches inside of me. I managed to handle the pain, although the sting was far from little. But the loud groan that escaped his mouth helped convince me the pain was worth it. When I grow more comfortable with the feeling I start riding Lando again. My position had our lips so close to each other and all Lando did was sit up a little bit to close the gap.

The kiss was soft and it soon turned rough, we bit each other's lips and hungrily went in for more, never getting enough. I knew his body more than any other part of him and when his dick started twitching inside of me I knew I would get filled up again. The quieted grunts from Oscar told me he was seconds away from releasing and so was I. The grind of my hips against Lando and little thrust from Oscar was the last push that had us all coming simultaneously. 

My head was clouded and I couldn't focus on just one feeling. We all let filthy sounds leave our mouths and my fingers dug into Lando’s tan skin as I came. Oscar pulled out of me seconds after he came and instantaneously I could feel his cum dripping out of me. 

A little while later I got off of Lando, with the help of Oscar and all I could do was lay helpless beside his body. Only then did I get a perfect look of both men without their masks on and I had thought my eyes deceived me. Such gorgeous men and I wondered how I could’ve landed so lucky to have both of them deep inside of me. Each memory makes the fire ignite inside of me once again, but I’ll leave it for the next time. And I’ll hope it’s these two once again.

[ghouljams]

Viking soap! Viking soap! Viking soap!

Grrrrrrrr Yes ok yes because I am feral for this idea and you're partially engaging a special interest of mine.

You spot him at the same moment he does you. A flash of blue eyes reflecting the shallow river, long hair shorn short on the sides, the fur the edges his clothes marks him as easily as the paint on his face. A viking. He stands as quickly as you step back, his eyes fixed on you. If he's here there must be more at your village. You know well enough that these men don't travel as solitary creatures.

You turn and run towards your home. You hear the crash of him through the forest behind you giving chase. Even knowing the land as well as you do the terrain is uneven, the roots are made to catch your feet, and the branches are low to obscure your vision. You don't have the deer's advantage of darting movement to keep you out of reach. Each step you can hear him getting closer, until you feel his hands grab you.

The man, the viking, catches you around your middle. You kick and scream and make every effort to batter him with your fists, to make yourself difficult prey. You've heard enough stories about what these men do to know you want no part of it. He lifts you, hauls you up off the ground as you fight and twist.

"Would you be still, I'm not going to hurt you," The man tells you in gaelic. You freeze at the familiar tongue.

"You're a liar," You push at him, claw at his grip, "why would you chase me if you weren't hunting me?"

"Why would you run?" He asks, grabbing your wrists to pin them against his chest. You glare at him, your chest heaving as you gather your breath back. He's handsome, for a viking. There's something sort of rakish about the stubble on his face and the set of his brow. "Did I do something to scare you, bonnie?" It's not an honest question, he knows full well why you'd run.

You keep quiet, keep your glare level with him. An easy task with him holding you up, his arm hooked around your thighs. His head tips back to look at you with a smile. "Aren't you pretty," He whispers, hardly phased by the run or your anger. When you don't respond he seems to find his head again, his smile dropping to something more serious.

"Fine, courting later, business now." He sets you back down, keeping a tight grip on your wrists now that you've proven yourself a runner. "I'm here to negotiate a trade, I need an escort," He explains, though you would think a man needing an escort would have a shorter handle on the ax at his hip.

"A bad liar," You amend your previous statement, tugging at his hold.

"Fine," He relents, "I want an escort. Escort me." He insists, tugging you against his chest again. You're really getting tired of bumping into him.

"Why? So you can lead a raiding party back as soon as I turn around?" You spit.

“To what end?” The viking asks, tips his head to the side, his eyes hard on you, “What use do we have for dead healers?” 

You stop your struggling, stunned. He’s not wrong, but he speaks to an understanding of your village you hadn’t expected. How much did this man and his company know about you? How many scouts had walked your paths, watched your neighbors work? He’s right, dead healers are useless, but so are port healers. Vikings are only as strong as their weakest man, wouldn’t they prefer to keep healers on hand?

“You said-” You swallow, “You said you were here to negotiate a trade. What- A trade for what?” He looks away from you, and you have your answer. You were right to run, he’s here for one of you.

“Let’s go,” He doesn’t pull you, but you follow him anyway. Your mind races, thinking through the people your elders would offer up. Who was the most skilled, the most expendable, weighing what you might get in return. What couldn’t these vikings offer you? Safety, rare goods, money, animals, friendship. Invaluable intangible things that would aid all of you, for whatever price they set. It’s still only the illusion of a choice.

Your wrist is still held tight in his grip as you walk beside him. An escort, what a joke. You’re not going to put in a good word for him or do anything more than act as a pass for him to walk your streets. You’re busy working on your escape plan when you smell it.

Smoke, just as you step clear of the forest.

"Gods," the man breathes, both of you standing on top of the hill at the edge of the forest, watching your home burn. Your eyes grow wide watching the fleeing shadows of raiders, the sacrifices of you kin. What are they doing? Why would they- A mass of fire belches from the center of your village, the man covers your eyes, shields you from the heat of it with his cloak. The tattered tartan catches your attention, makes your heart pound in your chest. You recognize it, Mactavish. He was one of you.

"We have to go," He tells you. You try to pull yourself free, scream for your family down the hill. He catches you around the middle again, hauls you back into the safety of the forest. 

"Tell them to stop," you beg. Your sobbing pleas fall on deaf ears.

“Those aren’t my men,” He doesn’t set you down, transfers your squirming to his shoulder with a grunt and keeps his pace. You can still see the lick of flame and smoke through the trees. The only home you’ve ever known, gone in an instant and all you can do is watch. The forest grows thicker around you as you lay against the familiar unfamiliar tartan and let yourself be carried off like a spoil.

[llamagoddessofficial]

Are you being followed by local siren that, rather than eat you, visits you frequently to chat? Do they leave gifts, sing to you, get upset that you see visitors, or seem a little too affectionate? Do you suspect that they're being more than just friendly with you? You aren't crazy, sirens falling in love with humans is much less rare than it sounds. It's important to know the steps before it's too late, as sometimes, overzealous siren lovers will disappear with a human mate forever. Here's your helpful guide to navigating that sticky situation.

Remember that all siren species have a key courtship method that, generally, will be their main method of flirtation. Be sure to research your siren to catch any early signs of affection, and equally, to be certain you aren't accidentally encouraging their feelings by engaging in this behaviour with them. Some examples of siren courtship methods include; - Singing (cetacean sirens, eg dolphins and whales) - Gift exchange (cave dwelling sirens, eg moray and grouper) - Food sharing (deep/cold sea sirens, eg leopard seal and oarfish) - Asking you to 'take care of their skin for a little while' (specific to pinnipeds/selkies) - Roughhousing, wrestling or 'play fighting' (open ocean predators, eg sharks, marlin, tuna)

A singular display of these behaviours doesn't necessarily constitute flirtation. Though repetitive displays could imply romantic feelings, sirens are intelligent and sentient, and they might just enjoy your friendship!

Should your siren ever start to discuss life in the ocean, make sure to firmly state your preference for life on land. No matter what they say, do not express any interest in living in the sea. They may misconstrue this as a sign that you'd prefer being with them.

Discuss your loved ones on land. Many sirens also have strong familial ties, and understanding you have your own family bonds will make them unlikely to suddenly kidnap you.

Once you're certain they're flirting, be sure to confront them directly and let them down easy. Sirens place a great deal of importance on mutual affection and respect between couples, and oftentimes a gentle rejection is all that's needed to avoid misunderstanding.

Disregard the above if your suitor is a cecaelia. Cecaelia are highly territorial and possessive over their chosen mate, and do not change their minds. Rejecting a cecaelia may cause them to act irrationally to 'secure' you. See the cecaelia handbook for further information.

Be extremely wary of Wanderer sirens. 'Wanderers' are social sirens who have somehow lost their pod, whether through death, accidental separation, or outcasting. If your siren is only ever seen alone, they may be a wanderer. Social sirens will quickly mentally deteriorate without a unit- they may be using you to fill an emotional void, and they can quickly become highly jealous and aggressive. It is essential to emphasise, when rejecting them, that you still consider them a friend. These sirens require a lot more care and direct intervention to avoid disaster; consider calling the siren helpline on xxxx-xxx-xxx.

The above warning does not apply to solitary sirens, such as sharks. They travel great distances alone and possess the mental fortitude for isolation and rejection. Don't let the stereotypes fool you; generally, sharks are some of the safest sirens to interact with.

[intothegenshinworld]

Fate’s Destiny ~ Chapter 9 || Gnoses

You somehow, not being able to explain it, had fallen into the Genshin world you know oh-so-well. You were no new player and had explored most of the nooks and crannies of the world. When you first had woken up in Windrise you wondered; it might be a dream, after all, you were behind your screen usually, and now- here? It made no sense, and the world was keen on keeping it that way.

Warnings: Spoilers for main story.

Word count: 6.4k+

Summary chapter 9: we continue where we left off; you with the gnosis in the inn and Kaeya bursting through the door. Why is here here in Liyue? And more importantly; will he be able to aid you with your deteriorating memories?

Auteurs note: The beginning of the year was a bit hectic. Expect sporadic updates!

Thanks to: all the people who showed love on the last chapter <3

↺ PREVIOUS CHAPTER || ↻ NEXT CHAPTER || MASTERLIST

Kaeya stands in the doorframe. He is out of breath. You watch his chest rise and fall rapidly, and his expression is twisted into distress, a strange thing for a supposedly joyful reunion. 

“Kaeya?” You watch a drop of water fall from his navy blue hair onto the wooden floor below. “I don’t understand… What are you doing here?” 

As you gaze at him, his expression softens. His gritted teeth relax, making his mouth fall open, and his eyes soften as he stops furrowing his brows. He radiates stress, yet you can still sense his usual warm and inviting aura.

A grunt escapes his lips and you watch him struggle to get any words from his mind out of his mouth.

Worry now flashes across your face as you turn your head to look over at Lumine. “Did something happen?” 

Aside from Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain from Mondstadt being in Liyue , she too seemed distressed when she first opened the door. Her golden eyes make contact with yours before they move over to the side. She stares at something slightly to the left of you. When you follow her gaze, your eyes meet the gnosis standing solitary on the table.

Without any thought, you’re reaching your hand forward to the potent object, securing it in your seemingly powerless hold before returning her gaze.

The gnosis hums a low tune throughout your body. "Are we in danger?" 

Lumine quickly shakes her head. “No, no. We’re fine.” With the flick of her wrist she turns the handle of her sword, dissipating it into elemental particles that shimmer in the air before disappearing. She continues, “Nothing happened.” 

“But Kaeya?" With confusion, you gesture your free hand to him. The whole ordeal seemed too strange for her answer to be ‘nothing’.  

“He…” Lumine trails off as she looks up at the Cavalry Captain. 

He still hasn’t said anything at all. Not a ‘hi!’, not a ‘how have you been? Last time I saw you we were about to get into a fight on Dragonspine.’; nothing. And when you start to think about it, you’re unsure whether you prefer the silence over the inevitable explaining you’ll have to do. 

“He had a long journey,” Lumine says as she gives him a pat on the back. “I think he needs a shower and some dry clothes before he’ll be able to explain everything.” 

“Right.” 

You look over at him. If only you could tell him he’s awaiting a much worse explanation from your side than he'll ever be able to present himself. Nonetheless, a smile finds its way onto your face as you watch your familiar companion move through the room.

Kaeya was able to salvage his spare clothes from his drenched backpack—which probably has seen better days. You admit he does appear to be in a better state once out of the shower. You had only traveled long distances once with Lumine, and his journey from Mondstadt city to Liyue harbour was much longer than the one you made. Perhaps he’d been overwhelmed instead of distressed. 

As you observe him, he notices your fixated gaze on him and he sends you a toothy smile, one which you return with joy. “You look better.” 

“You too.” He replies.

You're unsure of the meaning behind his words. When you try to think about it, your mind blanks. Had you really looked worse in Mondstadt? All you can remember is the cold welcome you had gotten, so perhaps he meant you looked more relaxed?

For a while, you can’t quite grasp your head around the situation, and you’re not sure why. If anything, with your dull eyes and your skin seeming to fade into transparency, you should look worse.

Your eyes follow Lumine as she walks across the room. Once she reaches your side, she takes a seat on the couch next to you. On her other side, Paimon stops flying and plops down with a soft thud. The pixie had been quiet when the three first came back, but she’s returned to filling the air with her usual chatter again. 

A high-pitched voice interjects the silence.‘’Paimon knows everyone is relaxing, but Paimon is still confused. We know that Kaeya was in Liyue as a diplomat to check up on local business, but that doesn’t make sense. Why would the Acting Grand Master send Kaeya after Rex Lapis returned?”

Kaeya crosses his legs and sends her a teasing smile. “What can I say? Word about the geo Archon’s death spreads faster than his revival.’’ He twirls his hand into the air, “When I was on the road, rumors had already begun to circulate. With new information but no visual confirmation of it, I wouldn’t have been able to return to Jean, would I?’’

“Paimon knew that!” She huffs and crosses her arms over her chest. 

You catch a fleeting moment of eye contact between Kaeya and Lumine. With the latter next to you and the former on the loveseat across, it’s inevitable, yet you refrain from pointing it out. 

An unsettling feeling arises in your chest. 

You feel left out.

After a moment longer, you clear your throat. “So nothing happened after we got separated on Dragonspine?”

Kaeya’s eyes move from your figure over to your Lumine once more. Despite being happy to see him again, neither of you had a chance to say goodbye when you suddenly ended up in Liyue. And now he’s here, sharing hesitant glances with your travel companions while everyone refrains from giving you the full story of what had happened in your absence.

“To be honest, you certainly gave Albedo and me a scare when you disappeared. Admittedly, it took a while to convince Eula to calm down, but once Albedo’s doppelganger left, we all dropped our weapons to figure out what had happened.“ Kaeya sighs and shakes his head. “Not that it made much sense after. But… I was able to feel your aura. Though I wasn’t able to pin down where you went, I knew you were alive. And for the first few days, that was enough.“

“Wait, a doppelganger ?“

“Yeah,“ Kaeya tries to smile confidently but he ends up cringing instead, “We let Albedo handle that one on his own.“

“So the Acting Grand Master is not mad for you hiding me?”

Kaeya locks eyes with you, his gaze strong and unwavering. He sends a warm smile your way. Despite the tension from before, you feel your heart skip a beat. “I am thankful, but please don’t worry about me, dearest Creator.”

You feel the weight of the gnosis in your pocket. It suddenly feels like a heavy burden. For a moment, you felt yourself again, but with the way Kaeya said it, you have to believe his words; you are the Creator.

“Woah. Paimon suddenly feels very grateful that Paimon didn’t give you an ugly nickname.“ You watch Paimon shiver as she imagines it. “Though we’ve already met a god, the Creator of everything seems much more powerful.”

A laugh escapes your lips, breaking the short silence. “What nickname would you have given me?“

“Well…“ Paimon buckles under the pressure of your curious gaze. For a moment, she intensely thinks about it, only to shake her hands defensively in front of her figure right after. “Paimon obviously can’t say it!“

Lumine taps Paimon’s shoulder, throwing her off balance. “And this is why you shouldn’t give every single person you meet an ugly nickname.“ 

“Paimon can’t help it!“

The warm sound of infectious laughter reverberates through the room. Kaeya holds a hand to his stomach, the eye without the patch closed. As he struggles to compose himself, his victorious smile radiates, casting a warm glow across the room. “Seems you've found your place here quite seamlessly.”

Paimon huffs, arms crossed. “We tried to tell you.” Her expression sours, “But Paimon thinks Lumine would’ve been worried as well if she had many bad dreams like you did.” 

Your eyebrow raises before they settle into a frown. “Bad dreams?” You turn your head to Kaeya who looks guilty. “You’ve been unwell?” 

“Don’t worry.” Lumine cuts in and a sigh of relief echoes through the room. “A lot has happened these past few weeks but I promise you that Paimon and I will keep you safe. Simply focus on getting your memories back. Afterward, all should be better for everyone.”

Lumine speaks rationally but her promise doesn’t sit well with you. Ultimately, try as you might, there was no counterargument against her. Even as the Creator, with your remaining memories slipping through your fingers, there was nothing you could do. 

Seeing the outlander's determined gaze, you find yourself unable to mirror the same resolve. As thoughts circulate, you start to feel pressure build up in your mind, trying desperately to cling to the last memories of your identity. 

“I must say, I’ve been quite curious.” Kaeya saves you from your thoughts as he speaks out to you. “You seem to have a more exciting story to tell compared to mine. Meeting the geo Archon and simultaneously reviving him after he fakes his death just because he wants to be with you? Now that’s a headline.” 

“It’s less exciting than it seems. It might be a long and boring conversation.”

Kaeya crosses his arms and makes himself comfortable in the lovechair. “We’ve got all the time in the world, my dearest Creator.”

After Kaeya prompted you to talk about your adventures, you rambled for nearly two hours. Not that he ever seemed to mind your neverending word vomit. Throughout your one-sided catching up, he kept an inviting smile on his face, only ever interrupting you to ask questions that got you talking for even longer. 

Lucky for you, with the rain continuously pouring outside there wasn’t any rush for Kaeya to leave. For a moment you could let all your worries out. It was a nice change of pace from glaring at the gnosis and hoping it’d give you back your memories in due time. 

You move in your seat. “Are you staying in Liyue for long?”

Kaeya inhales sharply. He lowers his head, causing the curtain of his bangs to cascade over his face. “While I’d love to be at your side for longer, my ride back to Mondstadt is leaving tomorrow and I still have business to take care of.” 

A silent nod conveys your understanding. While you weren’t surprised at his answer, you had hoped he could aid you in your quest to recover your memories. His presence alone had been enough to make you feel at ease during these distressing times. 

“Oh?” Kaeya smiles playfully. “You look at me as if this is goodbye.”

“It’s not?” 

“I certainly hope not.” He fixes the strands of hair that hang in front of his covered eye. “Besides, it is fate that has led us together all this time. I have the feeling that I’ll see you again sooner or later.”

You smile to yourself. “I wouldn’t mind that.”

After giving you a firm nod, Kaeya stands up from the lovechair. He stretches both of his legs and then moves his head to face Lumine. You’re unable to capture their expressions from your position but you witness them nod once—seemingly in agreement, before returning their attention to you. 

Kaeya speaks up first, letting out a laugh between words. “I better head out before my ride gets upset.”

The pixie hovers closer, “Paimon was wondering, who took you to Liyue? Paimon doubts anyone would willingly visit this chaos. It must be someone important, right?”

“Some people would argue his importance in this situation, but yes. You know him. A certain redhead we’re both familiar with had to check up on business after his connections got shut down. And I won’t say no to an opportunity where I can steal a few bottles of wine in the shipment he’s making.”

“Oh!” Paimon realizes something. “You mean Diluc? He is the only winemaker with red hair that we met in Mondstadt.”

“And basically the one to own the entire industry there,” Kaeya states playfully. He turns his head back to you. 

A torrent of emotions engulfs you, a tumultuous mix of grief, joy, fear, resentment, bliss, and emptiness,—each of them hitting harder than the last.

It disappears as quick as lighting strikes, leaving you to doubt if these emotions were real or a figment of imagination. 

Kaeya speaks again, pulling you back into the presence. “Good luck with everything. I know you’ll figure this out, whatever ‘it’ might be.” He then looks at Lumine, “I fear you’ll have to be better at protecting them than I have. Be safe, alright?”

The traveler meets his gaze, giving him a reassuring nod that acts as a silent promise. 

Before closing the door, Kaeya sends each of you a wave. A bittersweet feeling swirls in your stomach as you bid him goodbye. “Safe travels, Kaeya.”

Paimon, too, waves at him as the door closes.

“Bye Kaeya!”

Lumine seems different ever since she returned with Kaeya. Something is off. She seems worried. 

Paimon, on the other hand, seems more cheerful than before. She clings to your side whenever she’s allowed to and has spent the last hour discussing all the things you should do together after you regain your memories. 

You don’t have the heart to tell her that you fear it might never happen at this point.

“So… What do you want to do next? Paimon saw how much Kaeya’s advice seemed to help you. Maybe you needed the short break from the gnosis.”

Right, Kaeya did give you advice on the matter. 

You look down at the gnosis in your hand. Kaeya had never seen one before, which made sense, but it took you some effort to explain what it was without making things complicated. Such a small object holds such a great power. It’s ridiculous.

He turns his eyes from the gnosis back to you as he starts speaking. “Why don’t you ask Rex Lapis himself? After all, he is the best person to seek answers from. As much as I love Mondstadt, I fear our Archon is as free as its people, so I can’t advise you to come back with me on a journey to find the lost Barbatos.”

You remember how your mind spun at his words. For some reason, his advice seemed so familiar. Even now, you don’t doubt you had heard it before and had simply forgotten. With memories slipping in and out, it’s hard to make out what you did and didn’t already do.

Then, you recall Zhongli. Or, Rex Lapis as you should say. He gave you the gnosis, something you supposedly had given him in the past. 

Was he right to put his faith in you?

“I think I’m afraid of disappointment. Zhongli—I mean Rex Lapis—he looked at me with so much confidence… as if I could save the world if I wanted to and yet I’m unable to remember anything about myself.” You look down at your hands. “I’m afraid his belief in me might be misplaced. What if I’m a fake after all?”

Kaeya was quick to respond. So quick, your doubts washed away with his words. “I assure you, you’re not.” 

He had moved his hand on top of yours, the gnosis now engulfed by both your hands and one of his. If he felt the vibrations from it, he did a good job of hiding it. The suave smile he sends you floods your brain with shortlived memories, enough to last a lifetime of him by your side. 

Then his hand squeezes, and he speaks again. “I might not worship the geo Archon, but I’m confident he’ll answer any questions you’ll have.”

The gnosis is currently on the table. The moment Kaeya left, you put it down and away from yourself. Its glow is dim once you’re out of reach and you no longer feel its energy pulse through your body. It’s a relief. 

Maybe you should arrange a meeting between you and Zhongli. It’s not like you hadn’t thought of it before. But the question remains; how? You weren’t ready to expose yourself to the public as long as you didn't have answers, so how could you contact him discreetly?

Lumine finally decides to enter the conversation between you and Paimon by sitting down next to you. She seems hesitant, and it takes her a moment to voice her own opinions. ”If you’re not sure what to do next, we can always wait a few more days. There’s no need to rush this.”

You want to agree with her, you really do, but you know you’re running out of time. 

You can feel it slipping away while a feeling of impending doom nestles in its place.

”I know I’d want to meet the geo Archon again. Last time I was overwhelmed and I had no idea how to even talk with him, but now I’m prepared. I’m sure I’ll be able to get answers this time.”

”Paimon is so excited!” She floats up before hovering down again. ”It seems like you finally know what to do to get your memories back.”

You let out a breath of air you had been holding on to. ”I don’t, but Rex Lapis will.”

”So you’re meeting him again?” Lumine asks. 

You nod. ”I’m not sure how to get his attention though. Last time he made a big spectacle. I hope to avoid that this time to preserve the little privacy I have left.”

”Paimon is not sure who to ask either. But maybe Paimon and Lumine could ask the Qixing for you!”

You look at Lumine. She seems less keen on this plan and offers something else after a moment of thinking. ”We can go tomorrow morning together before crowds begin to form. This way you won’t be alone and you’ll immediately be able to meet Rex Lapis when we ask the Qixing for an audience.”

”Are you sure I won’t cause a commotion?” 

”Paimon and I have been in the city lots of times these past days. Usually, crowds start to form at eight in the morning.” Lumine looks up at the clock in the room. She seems to calculate something in her mind. ”The Qixing most certainly wakes before the common citizens do. If we head out right before the sun starts to rise, we will be fine.” 

You nod to yourself. It sounds like a good plan. With Lumine by your side, you will feel safe enough, and you’ll be wearing your trusty cloak, so you agree to her plan.

“It’s already so late. Paimon didn’t expect Kaeya to stay for as long as he did. Seems like he’s fond of chatting, as usual.” She states in a dramatic tone which makes you laugh. 

“Maybe, but I enjoyed the reunion. I feel more certain about myself. I’m not sure why though.”

“You know,” Lumine hesitates, “You can talk to us as well if you need it.”

There’s an underlying disappointment in her words. You’re not sure if it’s directed to you or herself, but she makes a fair point. In these past few weeks, you haven’t made the best effort to properly ask her for help when you needed it, even when she had been ready to set aside her own mission to aid you. You hid your troubles away, which might’ve only made her more worried as a result.

You look at your hands. They feel distant from you and you can see the floor through your skin. Seems like that hasn’t changed.

Tomorrow you’ll properly thank her for all she’s done. Hopefully, when you meet Rex Lapis all the missing puzzle pieces will fall in place and you’ll be able to recognize yourself again.

A yawn echoes through the room. “Well. Paimon is heading off to sleep. After all that talking and running around, Paimon can barely stand. If you need Paimon, wait till morning!” She lazily rubs her eyes one last time and then flies off, assumingly to sleep. 

“You should sleep too if you can.“ Lumine says. “Tomorrow is a big day if all goes well.“

A sigh escapes your lips. “I hope so.“

With a swift but calculated motion, you grab the gnosis from the table and stand up from the couch. Familiar energy pulses vibrate through your body, but instead of making you feel alert and awake, it soothes you and puts you in a relaxed state.

“Goodnight, y/n.“

You put your last remaining energy into a smile for Lumine. “Goodnight.“

You don’t quite remember waking up. Hell-, it’s still pitch dark when you stand outside of the main exit to the inn, ready to confront an Archon for answers. However, it would undoubtedly turn into another tea party if it were up to Zhongli.

The only comfort you get this morning comes from the energy flowing from the gnosis into your body. It hums and cradles the nerves inside your chest. Once again, you look back down for the so-manyth-time since stepping outside. And once more, the glow of the gnosis is concealed by your cloak.

You just need to keep it safe for a while longer. A low hum echoes through your mind in agreement, and you squeeze the gnosis just a tad tighter to your body.

A voice squeaks over your loud thoughts, “Paimon isn’t sure where we should look first. Maybe we could ask the people at the docks for some information? They always seem to know a lot.“

Lumine huffs out a sarcastic laugh. “Word travels faster to the Qixing than we’ll find it. All we have to do is walk around the harbor and wait.”

“Do you think it’d be that easy?” You reply.

“Yes. Even before, the Qixing is widely known to have eyes everywhere. And with the Creator walking around in their domain, it’s only natural for their gaze to be fixed upon us.”

As the three of you depart from the inn and further into the harbour you find yourself growing more anxious. There are only a few people visible on the streets. Most of these people are setting up shops or stalls to prepare for the crowds that’ll inevitably suffocate these streets within mere hours, but it’s not the people who make you nervous. It’s the festive decorations that have been put up. 

More than once, you realized it had been a celebration for the Creator, so you can only hope no one will recognize you while your face is pasted on every corner of Liyue.

Paimon, who’s been floating next to you, turns her head to the side. “Paimon thinks you don’t have to worry. Remember the lady who was with Rex Lapis when he gave you the gnosis?”

You nod. If you hadn’t been as caught up in your world you probably would’ve spent more time observing her, but it was hard to forget a face like hers. She looked familiar.

“Well, she’s the Qixing’s Tianquan, Ningguang. From the Jade Chamber above, she is aware of every confidential meeting, every private conversation, and every new visitor to the city! A storyteller once told Paimon that she enchanted the Jade Chamber in a way that allows her to eavesdrop on everyone in the city's private conversations.” 

Paimon visibly shudders after her own story. She wraps her arms around her body as she floats forward. “Though Paimon hopes that the last part is wrong. Anyways, she’ll surely find us like the traveller said.”

“Not to mention the geo Archon himself,” Lumine adds. “It’s only a matter of time. We just have to be confident it’s either one of them noticing us, and not the Fatui.”

As the three of you continue to walk through the harbor, you notice that Lumine never takes a shortcut and actively goes out of her way to remain in the public eye. A few people already recognized her and have waved in her direction, greeting the traveller and Paimon as they pass the stalls that seemingly appear out of nowhere. 

While it makes you uncomfortable, you realize Lumine is doing all of this on purpose. She’s actively putting herself in the spotlight while making sure you remain in her shadows. All to get the attention of the people you’ve been trying to reach. 

And while Lumine had mentioned the Fatui before, you had foolishly forgotten any enemies you could’ve made during your stay in Teyvat. After all, it wasn’t long ago that a whole nation had decided you were an imposter and tried to cause an uproar because of it.

Perhaps your comfort had been the exact reason why someone was able to grab hold of your arm and force your body into the dark ally. 

You hear Paimon yell before you can, the sharp movement of a sideways pull makes you feel as if you’re being dashed forward and successfully takes the breath out of your lungs, making you unable to scream for help.

A hand gently but firmly replaces its hold on your forearm. It guides you to the side and you’re certain you’ll fall—until you don’t. For some reason, your attacker tries to steady you, making sure you don’t tumble forward or hurt yourself. 

Your heart races against your ribcage and your breaths are shallow and fast. One moment you’re close to feeling safe in public and then you’re back into danger, or so you assume. 

You blink a few times, slowly getting adjusted to the darkness.

“Xiao?”  

Dark hair with teal undertones frames a pale face that homes a serious expression. Out of everyone, you hadn’t expected to see him today. While the situation he put you in was questionable, you trusted him.

His golden eyes move over your form until they hastily land on Lumine who now stands at the front of the entrance to the alley, her swords sheathed and appearing equally as confused and alarmed as you by the situation. She takes a step forward, hesitating to attack but determined enough to keep you safe if needed.

“You’re being followed.” Xiao’s warning is directed towards Lumine and his voice is a tone colder than it used to be in past conversations—there’s an unfamiliar sharp edge underneath his words. Xiao eyes something you can’t see. 

You finally register his words.

“Wait what? Who? ” 

“The Fatui.” Lumine spats the words out, catching on quicker than you do. Her voice is close to venom and she turns her body around to face the assumed stalker. Because of her reply, you’re certain she already knew the identity of the one following her. 

You try to turn your head towards the scene but with the way Xiao holds you, it’s impossible to fully capture what’s going on—and more importantly—who the person might be. You rely on your hearing to fill in the blank spaces. 

As you focus, you hear footsteps rapidly approaching. “Wait. Why would anyone,–” You struggle in Xiao’s protective hold, still trying to turn your head, and unlike what you’re willing to do, Xiao spends no time waiting to see who comes around the corner. 

Your vision darkens. It’s pitch black for a moment, and then a sharp light blinds you. You instinctively grip Xiao's arm for support, and in return, he holds you closer to his body. 

Teleporting three times ever since arriving in Teyvat, you’ve grown accustomed to the feeling. Still, it takes you a second before your surroundings stop spinning.

“Xiao, you need to go back.” With a sense of urgency and desperation you look around, noting both the absence of Lumine and Paimon through your spinning vision. Alarm seeps through your words, “You need to bring me back.”  

The Yaksha gapes and then closes his mouth. He’s holding out his arms as if he’s waiting for you to fall forward, or to comfort you, you’re not certain. Either way, he’s not helping you in this situation—he is not helping Lumine or Paimon.

“Please, Xiao. If the Fatui were following us it’d be my fault.”

A mocking laugh echoes through the room. “I highly doubt that.” The feminine voice sneers and you feel the room grow colder. As the woman continues to talk, you hear her smile through her voice. She continues to mock you. “Why, our Creator? Because it was I who ordered them to stop chasing your little friends. On behalf of the Tsaritsa, of course.”

You turn away from Xiao and towards the platinum-blonde woman standing next to Zhongli. Behind her, you see two people in what you recognize as fatui clothing. You take a moment to look her up and down. Her stance radiates confidence to a degree where it borders arrogance instead of intimidation. Her blond hair falls over her right shoulder and a black mask covers the same half of her face. When your eyes move to inspect her clothing, you first notice the elegant dress that morphs from a white color to a mix of pale brown and greyish color. It hugs her figure and it stands in contrast with the crimson-red colors of her sleeves, and what you assume to be, the cape that hangs over her shoulders.

It is only after you’re done with looking her over that you realize the cloak had fallen from your head and thus had revealed your own face. Light grey eyes are busy inspecting you in the same way you inspected her, though she seems to be far quicker with making her judgment. In one quick swoop, she eyes your character before her eyes remain stuck on your torso.

“So that’s where the gnosis went.” The woman chuckles once more and you intuitively hold the small object closer to your figure, desperately trying to shield it away. 

“Relax, Creator .” She calls out your title in a mocking way, “The Tsaritsa already called everyone back. I no longer have use for it.”

“Who are you?” You spat out in response to her sardonic jab.

Her face changes at your question, and her expression is unlike anything you’ve seen from her in the past minute. Your words had genuinely amused her.  

“Never heard of the Fatui Harbingers before? I must admit, I’m a bit embarrassed.” Her confidence replaces any kindness or pity you might’ve seen in that short moment of genuinity, and you frown in response.

Xiao shifts behind you and it’s a hard reminder that you weren’t alone in the room. Your eyes glance over from the woman to Zhongli, who lightly tilts his head in response to your recognition. 

“La Signora,“ He lifts a hand and gestures it towards the woman next to him. “Is the Eight of The Eleven Fatui Harbingers. They are acquainted with the Tsaritsa, or as you know her, the cryo Archon.“

Your mind gets stuck in a moment of stupid clarity.

Right. I am the Creator. I should know the Archons. 

And despite your better judgment, you ask the Harbinger;

“The cryo Archon, no–, the Tsaritsa. Do you… does she know about my memories? Are you here to help?“

The eyes of La Signora widen and you realise you startled her with your question. Of all things, she had not expected this. That much was obvious to anyone in the room. 

Like La Signora, the two Fatui guards behind her stiffen up. They share a glance of confusion as they remain on one knee behind the Harbinger. 

“Your… memories?” The blonde woman in front of you squints her eyes. Her voice is uncertain and she seems to test the words in her mouth. 

While her smile remains, you can sense the mask behind her faux confidence as she ponders over your question about your lost memories. 

You’re glad to know neither Zhongli nor Xiao had mentioned your memory problems to her. At least they give you control over who to share it with and who not, though, that raises the question of why she was here originally.

You turn your head to Zhongli. You feel like a fish out of the water so you instinctively try to chase comfort in his presence. “We were searching for you. Well, technically we were searching for the Qixing to contact you– what I’m trying to say is .” You take an inhale so the following words don’t come out in the wrong way. “I wanted to talk to you about, well, everything.”

Zhongli nods urging you silently to continue without a care for the others in the room.

“I’ve been trying to get my memories from the gnosis but after spending literal days staring at it in frustration, I feel like it’s only getting worse.” I feel as if I’m losing my mind.

You clutch the gnosis a bit tighter in your hand. Soft vibrations echo through your body and it steadies you. 

You speak with more confidence, “I want to know why I’m here. I want to know who I am.”

Zhongli takes a calculated breath, “I’d prefer it if we were to discuss this in a more private setting, your Grace. That is if you don’t mind.”

You shake your head. “Not at all. I probably shouldn’t’ve assumed the Harbingers or the Tsaritsa to know.”

With Zhongli’s request for privacy, you wonder if the woman had been better off not knowing about your situation. In the corner of your eyes, you can see thoughts race behind her cold eyes. Either way, word is bound to reach the Tsaritsa sooner or later. Your memories won’t become better without a solution, so you’re not bothered by this revelation. If anything, it might prompt the cryo Archon to answer your questions and recover your memory if possible. 

“La Signora.” Zhongli addresses the woman with an intimidating undertone. She snaps out of her thoughts and her confidence returns in the blink of an eye.

She snaps her fingers and the two fatui members stand up straight behind her. 

“It seems like our mission is finished here.” She doesn’t seem to address anyone in particular but the Fatui members respond with a simple, ‘Yes, lord Harbinger’.

“Creator–” She calls out your title with less mockery than before, “it was a pleasure to meet you.” 

You mirror her words, realizing that it was the first time she had truthfully told you what had been on her mind. Whether for good or bad, she would not forget this interaction anytime soon.

And so, La Signora makes her exit. She doesn’t waste time with any more pleasantries and disappears almost as fast as you had appeared. When the doors close behind her, the tense atmosphere dissipates as well.

With the stressful situation out of the way, your mind instinctively moves to observe the unfamiliar room you had been teleported into. 

Your gaze glides across the room. You are greeted by a warm and strangely familiar atmosphere. The room has the same style as the one in the inn, but it radiates more luxury and wealth, almost to an exaggerated point. 

The deep orange hues from the lights above dominate the room, casting a soft golden glow on everything it touches and complimenting the golden lining in the wooden cabinets, desks, and chairs. Aside from the obvious golden details nearly everywhere in the room, the other furniture exudes an air of luxury and sophistication, not unexpected—considering Zhongli seems to be using it as his office right now. 

Everything seems to be carefully placed with a purpose. 

Wooden screens divide the room, hiding you from the maids and workers walking around and giving you some privacy with the Archon and yaksha. And as you move your head around further, your eyes fall onto the silk tapestries that are suspended from the ceiling. They depict important historical figures and events in Liyue. When you look closer, you see a figure that seems to represent you. 

Zhongli walks up to you. 

He smiles as he follows your line of sight. "I admit that Miss Ningguang has exquisite taste when it comes to decorating. The line between modern and antique furniture overlaps in a tasteful way, and yet nothing seems to be out of place."

"Wait, is that you, Xiao?" You point to a specific silk tapestry in the room. 

Xiao follows your pointed finger. The picture depicts you and Xiao, along with four other people you fail to recognize. It takes him a second to reply, "Yes."

"Do you recall any of these moments?" Zhongli, who remains at your side, asks you with care.

“I recognize myself. It’s difficult not to. Aside from the clothes, it’s exactly how I appear right now. I also recognize you and Xiao, but the other people in the pictures aren’t familiar.” 

Zhongli's expression remains neutral, as if he anticipated your answer. ''It's no surprise that you recognize yourself. Every single one of these tapestries depicts significant events throughout the history of Liyue, in which you played a major part.''

You hesitate, “In a way, they feel familiar, but I’m unable to remember what happened or who the other people are. All I know for certain is that these events happened, even if it’s merely a feeling.’’

“In that case, Would you like to sit down?” Zhongli places a hand on the small of your back. “If you have time I’ll be able to tell the stories behind each tapestry.” 

You reply, “I would like to, but I can’t stay here. Not while I know that Lumine and Paimon are both looking for me. I hope nothing bad happened after I left.” You look at Xiao. “I am confused though.”

Xiao hesitantly speaks out, “Your Grace?”

You continue; “You said it was the Fatui who were following us? Does that mean that the woman— La Signora —was lying?”

Zhongli lets out a deep chuckle. “I apologize, your Grace. It appears the situation might’ve grown a bit confusing as a result of my actions.”  

You look up at him, waiting for him to explain.

“In the past, I was approached by La Signora to make a deal with the Tsaritsa. My final contract. However given the unexpected change in our situation, the contract was deemed void. Upon further instructions from the Tsaritsa, La Signora was ordered to cease operation within Liyue and return to Snezhnaya with the other Harbinger who is also staying in Liyue.” 

Zhongli glances over to Xiao as he speaks, “I assume it was the Eleventh who acted independently and continued to follow the traveller despite his new orders?”

The yaksha nods, confirming Zhongli’s words. 

“But isn’t that a dangerous situation for Lumine and Paimon?” You ask.

“I assume by now that the Harbinger will have put all the given information together and realized why the mission was canceled and he was recalled. Confronting the traveller was the final push he needed to realize the truth.”

ㅤ

You lift an eyebrow, unsure why he held you in suspense. “The truth being…?”

ㅤ

“A bigger purpose, you, the Creator. ’’

If you liked this chapter and think I deserve a comment, please leave one behind! I appreciate it a lot and it'll make me more motivated to write in the future ♡

© intothegenshinworld. Do not copy, repost, translate or take heavy inspiration from my content. Thanks for reading.

[weepingalaxy]

the deltarune x welcome home crossover au... finally..... has some refs

ill give some super basic descriptions under the cut <3 but LOOK AT THEM AUGH

howdy pillar is a caterpillar monster (obviously) and an employee at 'sans grocery store, however he may as well be the owner with how he's maintaining it. he's fully expecting to become the owner one day. climbing the corporate ladder n all that! sans however is too lazy to make anything official.

poppy is a bird monster (also obviously) who works at the diner! she likes to bake as a hobby and is very good at it, but is far too anxious to start any business of her own. she likes to simply exist... make cookies for her friends.

sally is a lollipop/candy monster, sweet as sugar, who works as the school play teacher! despite her smaller size, she's loud and boisterous, and honestly would prefer to break into the bigger theatrical space - but for now, she'll have to prove herself by making her own plays and directing musicals for the school!

julie is a satyr monster who does a bit of everything at hometown - it isn't unusual to see her picking up oddjobs in every profession in the small town or even starting up her own activities for fun! it's never a dull day when julie gets up to something to bring the town together, whether it's festivals (just Big Parties Outdoors) or food stands!

frank is a vampire bat monster who lives with his husband eddie in their shared home-turned-post office. he works at the library part-time as a librarian, though his passion lies in bug collecting and teaching those curious about bugs as an entomologist. he's often dragged into julie's shenanigans to make sure her plans are reasonable and don't include her spending her life savings on colourful chalk.

eddie is a scarecrow monster who lives with his husband frank in their shared home-turned-post office. he doesn't have any employees working for him (aside from julie occasionally deciding to. help??? but who knows how useful that help is) so he does everything on his own as hometown's solitary mailman. he overworks himself quite a bit, and it doesn't help his memory problems makes it hard to keep track of all the mail, but he's dedicated to his job fully.

wally is a human! he is very normal and trustworthy. :) and definitely not opening up fountains to bring a certain entity into the real world, of course not.

barnaby is a canine monster and a self-proclaimed one-dog circus who performs for money. he at first simply visited hometown as a traveller, but found a new home there and has been living there ever since. he's often compared to sans due to the both of them having laid back dispositions and a knack for puns, however barnaby doesn't see it. they're obviously nothing alike, come on now.

[neo-my-geo]

It's migration season!

Certified spycrab factoids below the cut!

Did you know?

The wild spycrab's natural habitat is the shores of Banana Bay, but they summer in the alpine regions of the United States.

Unlike most species of crustacean, spycrabs typically prefer to reside on dry land. They become dehydrated very easily because of this, so they thrive near sources of water.

Spycrabs are technically classified as a species of false crab due to the fact that they have eight limbs instead of ten. Other species that fall under this classification include hermit crabs, porcelain crabs, and squat lobsters!

Spycrabs glow under ultraviolet light.

Spycrabs earned their name by being incredibly adept at using their environment to disguise themselves - some have even been seen hiding under cardboard boxes to ambush prey!

Despite typically residing in groups of five or less, spycrabs migrate in massive swarms twice a year. This is likely due to large numbers reducing the risk of individual injury or predation as they travel through unfamiliar areas.

While they are able to walk in all directions, spycrabs prefer side-to-side.

Spycrabs are covered in microscopic hair-like structures called setae - they help them perceive the world around them!

Due to not having a way to source cigarettes, non-domesticated spycrabs smoke the fallen cigarette butts left behind by wild spies.

Spycrabs have unusually long lives for crustaceans, with an average lifespan of 82 years.

Spycrabs don't molt as often as most species of crustacean; they tend to only do it every three to four years. This can be attributed to their long lifespans and slower growth rates.

The most common varieties of spycrab are red and blue; purple, green, and yellow varieties have been spotted in the wild, however!

Unlike the hermit crab, their closely-related cousin, spycrabs have eyes that are set directly in their faces instead of on stalks. This has been theorized to be because they are apex predators in their natural habitat.

Spycrabs are one of the only species of false crab that are legally classified as a group 1 carcinogen. They are not recommended for consumption by humans.

Have you been considering keeping a domestic spycrab as a pet? They are unique and challenging to care for, but there aren't many things more rewarding than a happy spycrab.

Spycrabs grow bored very easily and aren’t recommended for first-time crab parents. Make sure to keep them occupied with enrichment provided by decks of cards, books of a third-grade reading level or lower, and car magazines.

Spycrabs are social creatures! Never keep a solitary spycrab, as they can become depressed without company.

The spycrab’s diet consists of algae, small clams, caviar, small mammals, snails, and cigarettes. While a spycrab can survive just fine on bagged crab chow alone, the enrichment provided by these foods will keep them happy and healthy.

When caring for a domesticated spycrab, consider supplementing extra chitin in their diet to keep their exoskeleton strong and healthy.

When not encouraged to exercise, spycrabs will become lazy and lethargic. Consider keeping their cigarette carton at the top of an incline that they must traverse to reach it.

Spycrabs are prone to sudden bouts of aggression, especially when they feel personally wronged. Remember that most threats made by a spycrab are empty ones, but it’s still important to get to the root of the issue and understand why they feel upset.

Spycrabs lack the ability to digest alcohol the way humans can; it is not recommended that owners give them wine, no matter how hard they ask. Consider substituting it with grape or cranberry juice, as most of them can’t tell the difference.

[serenesimssanctuary]

MEET MY FOUNDERS!

MEET MY FOUNDERS!

Charlotte Louisa Hastings

Charlotte Hastings' family had once been very wealthy. She was born into an aristocratic family, where luxury and comfort were faithful companions from the earliest moments of life. As the daughter of a renowned merchant, her childhood was marked by luxurious travels, refined education, and every whim that money could provide. She was happy, and her family was happy.

However, one day, fate dealt her a tragic turn. The premature death of her father, a victim of cruel tuberculosis contracted during a business trip in a harsh winter, left the family in ruins, and all their fortune was lost. Deprived of a dowry and the resources necessary to attract a suitable suitor within aristocratic circles, Charlotte's mother made a decision: she arranged a marriage for her daughter with a young farmer from the countryside. It was a pragmatic agreement, made in the hope of ensuring her daughter a stable and secure life.

Charlotte found herself with no choices, left only to accept the proposal, not by her own choice, but out of obligation to her family. Charlotte's heart and feelings still belonged to an old childhood friend, a boy she met on one of her trips to the countryside, but so many years had passed that she barely remembered his face…

Philip Ernest Harrington

Philip Harrington was born and raised in the depths of a modest farm in Henford. He came into the world in a family of simple and modest farmers, whose livelihood depended on what they planted and harvested; his life revolved around the seasons and the harvests. Despite being considered a kind and amiable man, Philip lived a solitary existence; he rarely ventured beyond the boundaries of the farm, preferring the silent company of the fields to the bustle of the city. He was a romantic and family-oriented man, longing to marry to fill the lonely farm with the sound of love and laughter of a wife and children, but he was extremely insecure, believing he didn't possess many qualities to court a woman, and his heart still yearned for an old childhood friend, a girl from a very wealthy family who visited the outskirts of the farm in his youth; whom he knew he had no chance with, besides, there were no eligible young women in town. Until one day, an unexpected marriage proposal arrived in his hands…

[irradiated-imp]

Time for some more Rahi. I've made a handful more since I last posted, and updated two of my older ones.

Fikou Nui Massive Spider Rahi closely related to the Fikou spiders. They will eat almost anything they can catch. They prefer dark, damp places, so they are commonly found in the jungles of Ga-Oko and Le-Oko, as well as the caverns of Onu-Oko. They were made from a modified version of the actual Fikou Nui.

Whali Small bugs that can be found all over Okoto Nui. Like the fikou Nui, they were made from a modified version of the Whali.

Tarakava Large, aggressive, lizard-like Rahi. Where as Murk Lurkers stalk swamps and marshlands, Tarakava live in the shallows along the coastlines. They dig out burrows under water to live in, and regularly grab airweed to use to create air bubbles in their dens. They lie in wait to ambush their prey, stunning or killing it with a swift and powerful punch. Some Tarakava have recently learned to 'farm' coral. They have been observed taking rocks with coral growth and relocating it to the mouth of their den. As the coral grows, it attracts small fish for the safety of the coral. The small fish draw in their larger predators, and consequently prey for the Tarakava.

Khabew Massive beetle-like Rahi. They are solitary Rahi and have few predators due to their armor, bulk, and the powerful horn cannons they possess on the back of their thorax. Khabew Massive beetle-like Rahi. They are solitary Rahi and have few predators due to their armor, bulk, and the powerful horn cannons they possess on the back of their thorax. They are found mostly in the desert of Po-Oko, but some haveb een spotted in Ta-Oko. Khazaak and Zilaak's Bonehunters have on numerous occassions captured them and pit them against other Rahi in colesseum fights in Old Po-Ifo.

And the updates. Recently got some new parts, namely the articulated Piraka Feet, and figured out a better wing structure for the Kahu.

Some additional renders. Pretty sure I shared the last three before, but figured I'd share the updated versions again. Up top is a swimming Tarakava with a school of tropical fish traveling with it for protection. The fish are Rewii, which I shared before. Last three, like I said, are updates to some old Renders I did before.

[obscure-entity]

14 species to look at (i worked hard)

Drelym

Drelym are dexterous bipeds in spite of having 3-digits on each limb. They are the bold successors to humans, "inheriting" their use of technology and written-language. 

Drelym were the first to investigate a visiting spacecraft (under the knowledge that other hospitable planets were already found, and that this planet was a mere side-voyage for humans). After quickly learning how to use humans’ technology, Drelym began implementing it in to their own civilizations and wiped the group out. In short: this thing can use a computer!

Presently, they build dome-like structures and travel in groups to kill larger creatures.

Teppet

Teppets are quilled creatures with a dietary-preference for fruit, insects, and unattended eggs. They either burrow or reside in dense forests to keep themselves hidden. 

Their quills are specialized to stun attackers. Not only are they packed with minor shocks, but the microscopic barbs on the tips flake off similarly to fiberglass. Teppets that bide their time correctly escape often.

Tervine

Tervines are massive, disc-shaped, grazing animals that roam in the open. The rocky masses on their backs are both crucial to their protection as well as natural. Plant growth and rock formations can indicate age.

Their offspring retract in to their “shells” to appear like rocks, and they often hitch rides on their mothers’ backs. In more pressing situations, their mothers even allow them to hide beneath them.

Arthrid

Arthrids are skittish hooved mammals. Their split jaws move independently as mandibles. They eat plants and extract nectar with their thin tongues, sometimes using their jaws to tear in to tree trunks for hints of sap. 

Arthrids cover distances in lengthy jumps, and they even bounce around each other to play! The drelym usually tame them as steeds, using them for speedy travels across more difficult terrain. 

Baleon

As some of the most common predators, baleons are dreaded for their lengthy claws. Baleons tolerate each other in unorganized social groups, but they remain alone when raising offspring. 

Their body variations are hereditary, but traits of them can combine. “Masked” baleons have thick, dulled claws and a hard facial surface. “Bald” baleons have furred faces and hook-like, sharpened claws. 

Leorien

Leoriens are extremely solitary predators feared for their presence in trees, crushing bite force, and ambush-hunting nature. They are direct rivals to baleons and capable of killing any lone ones they can find.

They are rarely found in open daylight unless traveling, and they stick to the canopies or denser foliage. Leoriens steer clear of each other, as they are very conscious of territorial spaces.

Bushven

Bushvens are fully-aquatic sentient flora that can be found in swarms.

While feeding, they can appear to the unaware like flowers floating along the surface of the water. This is because they flare the leaves from their bodies and point upward to photosynthesize, only letting their flower-shaped snouts break the surface. They have no mouths. 

Mayskit

The mayskits are tiny, photosynthetic tree-dwellers that skitter along branches to evade threats, being one of the fastest terrestrial animals.

They rely on signifying dangers to each other through their antennae. In confrontations, mayskits can whip their lengthy tails with sharp speed.

Alamoth

An alamoth is a rare and devastating sight, being the most significant threat to all other species including their own. If an alamoth spots another of its kind, it will urgently knock it out of the skies or kill it on sight. 

Their extra pair of eyes are angled downward to improve their range of vision in flight. While they can use their thick jaws and massive talons, their favored method of hunting is quite literally beating their prey in to the dirt with their wings.

Piboa

Piboas are long, lightly-furred nocturnal predators from the trees.

Their limbs are nearly vestigial, but they still utilize them for both leverage and a grip in climbing.

Piboas have a sticky tongue for hunting insects, but for more moderately-sized prey, they use a drop-and-constrict method. 

Blade-Beast

Blade-Beasts were constructed by the drelym and employed to kill predators in the immediate surroundings of their towns.

They are able to run unlimited distances and draw out built-in razors for attacking sensed movement. Their bodies are also encased in hologram-like “force-fields” that keep them essentially waterproof.

In spite of their lethality, Blade-Beasts are easily dismantled, as their protective field can be torn with enough force.

Mavie

The mavies are among the largest herbivores. Their necks enable them to reach fruit and leaves from the trees, while their front limbs give them the extra leverage on branches to stand further upright for a better reach.

Their thickly layered fur and sheer force in a stomp makes them an unfavorable target to attackers.

Mavies tend to migrate to less-populated and colder regions for the sake of having offspring.

Tivid

Tivids are small flying omnivores that roost on trees in swarms.

They fly actively at dawn and dusk to search for fruit, insects, larvae, and carcasses.

Their wings each have a single hooked claw for gripping surfaces and reaching in to narrow spaces.

Urcan

An urcan is a large, mostly-aquatic carnivore. They can be found basking on the shores, but they never stray far from the water where they have more mobility.

It relies on ambushing whatever crosses or drinks the water, veiled by the surface.

Even with a sharp vision, urcans are compelled by motion.

Chart in order of silhouettes:

Tivid

Mayskit

Bushven

Teppet

Drelym

Arthrid

Baleon

Leolien

Piboa

Blade-Beast

Urcan

Tervine

Alamoth

Mavie

[mayfriend]

canon things we know about the umbrella academy

luther used to marry viktor’s action figures at the age of eight

reginald used to watch the kids sleep and monitor their brainwaves

at some point, grace became ‘mom’ instead of ‘grace, the new nanny’ to all of the children

five was thirteen years old when he found his siblings’ bodies

klaus is the only umbrella native to the usa, coming from an amish community in pennsylvania; luther is from sweden, diego from mexico, allison from south africa, five from ireland, ben from south korea and viktor from russia

viktor cried when his siblings stepped on ants when they were children

the same kid hated oatmeal so much he killed minimum three nannies at the age of four

klaus broke his jaw when they were twelve after falling down the stairs wearing grace’s heels, and had to have it wired shut for eight weeks

grace helped the children pick out their own names

viktor realised he was trans after falling in love with sissy in the sixties

diego boxes under his comic book superhero name, the kraken, and in claire’s bedtime stories, allison calls luther his, spaceboy

diego’s preferred form of conflict resolution is a dance battle

hargreeves considered ben ‘easily manipulated’

both klaus and luther got kidnapped without any other members of their family noticing

after ben died, his family remembered him as the best of them who could do no wrong; klaus, who spent everyday with him, more accurately described him as a ‘loveable asshole’. all of them remember him as loving his family fiercely, and being the glue that kept them together

allison starred in a movie with sandra bullock

with viktor speaking russian, diego speaking spanish and ben speaking korean, it’s highly likely that hargreeves made a point to have them learn the languages their birth mothers spoke

reginald forced all the kids to read shakespeare, the odyssey in ancient greek and insisted on ballroom dancing lessons

sometime between season 1 and season 2, klaus learned how to drive

allison speaks seven languages, and five knows both ancient greek and italian

grace helped diego with his stutter

before he travelled back in time and met dave, klaus’ longest relationship was two-weeks long and primarily because he was tired of sleeping rough

ben and diego made allison’s teddy say ‘luther smells dad’s underwear’ as kids

diego told klaus that licking a battery would give him pubes when they were eight, and klaus believed him

klaus’ special training in the mausoleum was meant to make him too afraid of the ghosts to function, so reginald could control him better; reginald also killed him there at age thirteen, and possibly earlier

viktor’s violin once belonged to reginald’s late wife

diego’s ‘vigilante shit’ was a trauma response

allison was the first of the umbrellas to become a parent, and diego will be the second

ben almost certainly knew that klaus was dying and reanimating, as they spent sixteen years together after his death, and apparently never mentioned it

ben died at sixteen, and stuck around as a ghost for a further sixteen years before going into the light

it was a rule that nobody could speak at mealtimes, and they had to listen to various lectures on the radio

the children got half an hour on sundays for fun and games

the kids used to sneak out of the academy to go and get donuts at griddy’s

five used to get five stars in all of his performance reviews, although luther, hargreeves’ apparent favourite, did not

diego considered viktor’s book unforgiveable, but forgave him for ending the world in 1963 after he apologised

klaus has died fifty-six times by the age of thirty-two

ben died in something called ‘the jennifer incident’, although we still don’t know what it was or exactly how he died

luther spent four years alone on the moon; solitary confinement is considered torture by the united nations after fifteen days

luther wrote poetry on the moon, and self-harmed

diego has a fear of needles

klaus is now physically the oldest sibling, whilst five is mentally the oldest

allison rumoured either luther or patrick to love her

reginald told the kids at ben’s funeral that it was their fault he was dead

diego and klaus used to huff paint as teenagers

five spent somewhere between forty and forty-four years in the apocalypse; his contract with the commission was for five years, and we know he broke it before it was complete

as an old man, five had a moustache

luther, five and klaus all have problems with substance abuse

five and viktor were best friends growing up, as were allison and luther

luther got allison a locket with ‘A + L’ engraved on it when they were teenagers

allison rumoured herself onto a soccer team at one point, despite being homeschooled

luther wanted to go to summer camp, but reginald told him he would never go

none of his siblings know that diego shut grace down in season 1

five singlehandedly invented the formula for time travel

luther fell for the nigerian prince scam

[notthesomefather]

Modern Heathenry 101

Hi folks! I've updated my blog to include a heathenry 101 tag. I also worked on summarizing how I view modern heathenry from a US-based, progressive perspective:

Who is allowed to practice heathenry?

Everyone!  Heathenry is not a closed practice.  Regardless of your gender, age, orientation, race, cultural background, physical or mental abilities, or any other factor–you are welcome, appreciated, and loved by the gods.

What is heathenry?

Heathenry is an animistic belief system where we honor our ancestors, gods within the Norse pantheon, and the elemental spirits all around us.  There is no one centralized heathen faith, and traditions will vary largely depending on community, region, and era.  There are no sacred texts, though many heathens read the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda to get an introduction to our gods (as they are depicted in myths and sagas).

Who do you worship?

Details vary based on the individual or community, but generally speaking heathens honor gods within the Norse pantheon. 

This pantheon includes: Odin, Frigg/Freyja, Freyr, Thor, Tyr, Njord, Loki, Hel, and many more.  Each of these figures is dynamic and cannot be boiled down to a simple “god of ___” label.  Some heathens exclusively worship patron deities to whom they feel a special connection and sense of dedication, while other heathens maintain relationships with numerous deities.

Ancestor work can be general or highly specific.  Heathens may offer prayers to the Disir, female spirits of the family who help carry traditions, memories, and connections alive throughout the generations.  Heathens may also opt to honor individual ancestors with whom they share a strong connection.  In any instance, it is love not blood which constitutes ancestry.  Many heathens feel drawn to honor “cultural” ancestors rather than blood-relatives (example: a heathen who is Black or LGBTQIA+ may feel drawn towards honoring a deceased activist or fellow community member).

What are some things which constitute a modern practice?

Many heathens practice group ritual while others are solitary.  Every group will follow different traditions but common ones include:

holiday rituals

symbels (opportunities to toast one another and our accomplishments)

blots (specialized rituals dedicated to a specific deity)

ceremonies (weddings, funerals, and things of that nature)

In their day-to-day lives heathens will often wear a Mjolnir pendant as a reminder of the gods’ most prized gift and the source of their protector’s strength (Thor’s hammer).

Heathens will typically have at least one altar space in their homes.  This can be used to honor deities, ancestors, or other figures.  Altars vary dramatically in terms of appearance–some are minimalist and simple while others are lavishly decorated.  This depends largely on personal preference, budget, availability of materials, and personal security (unfortunately, some heathens cannot safely set up an altar in their current living situation).  Another option is the use of a pocket-altar, sometimes called a travel-altar.

What holidays do you observe?

Holidays historically varied depending on location.  Typically these holidays relate to concepts of growth, gratitude, and reflection. There is not one set list of holidays which all heathens celebrate, but there do tend to be commonalities:

Holidays that take place in spring will tend to honor gods who represent youth, new beginnings, and hope. 

Holidays in summer tend to celebrate growth, hard work, and fertility. 

Holidays in the autumn are typically opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments we’ve made throughout the year as well as to prepare for the darker, colder times ahead. 

Holidays in the winter tend to relate to reflection and thinking about things we can shed or invite as the new year begins.

Holidays can be celebrated individually or as part of a group. Here are some of the holidays my group observes.

What are some common symbols or visuals related to heathenry?

Many heathens view Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer) as the main symbol signifying their faith.  This is typically worn as a necklace, though heathens may wear one in a myriad of different ways or not at all. 

Elder futhark runes are also common symbols associated with heathenry.  The futhark are representative of the sacred runes our god Odin learned during a journey of self-sacrifice and searching for spiritual wisdom.  Many heathens use these runes for divination purposes or to receive messages from our gods and ancestors, while others do not interact with the runes in a spiritual sense.

There are other symbols associated with heathenry that have been appropriated by white supremacists.  These include the runes Othala, Sowilo, and Elhaz; the Valknut; and sometimes even Mjolnir itself.  These images are not inherently harmful, and many heathens feel it is our duty to combat this appropriation by showing these symbols in their proper, progressive contexts.

What are some books I can read to learn more?

Here are a few books about the Norse myths I recommend:

The Poetic Edda by Jackson Crawford

The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson

The Wanderer’s Havamal by Jackson Crawford

The Havamal by The Asatru Community

Essential Asatru by Diana Paxson

Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland

The Viking Spirit by Daniel McCoy

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

And here are some books about runes I recommend:

The Way of Fire and Ice: the Living Tradition of Norse Paganism, by Ryan Smith

Rudiments of Runelore, by Stephen Pollington

North Sea Rune Poems, by N. Solheim-Davidson

Norwegian Runes and Runic Inscriptions, by Terje Spurkland

Taking Up the Runes, by Diana L. Paxson

[raviollies]

Got reminded that I never really revealed too much about the nature of Raha and Blythe's relationship on here so here is some insight!

Raha and Blythe met entirely by accident, in fact they weren't even the ones to get along at the start. It was Lorelai that Blythe instantly formed a connection with, and they became fast friends, as Raha, who is very reserved and quiet (as well as very socially anxious) had stayed to the side. Due to their chemistry, Lorelai invited Blythe to join them on their travels since Blythe was traveling destination-less, simply gathering information from wherever the wind takes her.

Raha and Blythe could not be more different. Raha is withdrawn, preferring not to speak or interact with strangers if does not have to, leading to camping in the woods in lieu of buying a room. Years of rejection by both his Elves and Humans has led him to a very solitary existence, withdrawn even around Lorelai albeit to a much lesser extent. He finds comfort in animals mostly, and does not judge monsters for their nature. He has no qualms with being a hunter, as he sees it as simply part of nature for prey to attempt to thwart a predator.

Blythe on the other hand, is a social butterfly. She is charismatic, and is able to charm with ease, she enjoys talking her way into or out of anything, leading her to be the face of their entourage. Raha couldn't help but be...impressed and mesmerized by all the things she could do that he couldn't. To him she was almost a bird soaring high, while he was confined to the earth. Combined with her attractiveness, well - it isn't hard to see how those feelings of admiration slowly edged into something more.

He confessed in an extremely Raha fashion - not quite saying it out loud, and simply saying that he hopes she will remain at their side even when they break the pact...and that he enjoys her company. Considering the weight of those words coming from his mouth, Blythe could piece together that he spoke much more than simple friendship. She asked if he wished to be in a relationship with her to which he, albeit very shyly, admitted to be true.

Thing is...Blythe actually did not hold romantic feelings for him at this time. She was for the lack of a better word - bored. She is someone that has never experienced love, and saw relationships as entertainment, something to keep you busy and a source of validation and attention.

That being said...when she did experience the way Raha treated her, the contrast between a man that is such a skilled warrior but the softness and gentleness that he hides within his aloof demeanor, the intelligence in his insights when he feels comfortable enough to speak, the handsomeness of his smile - she fell. The feelings that weren't there did bloom, and rather strongly ; the comfort no longer simply from the warmth of a body but the way it made her feel loved.

Their love language is similar but they express it differently. They both show their affection in acts of service, though Blythe leans much more towards the physical side and Raha towards the act side. He loves cooking for her, helping her with physical tasks she struggles with (even if it's difficult for him as well), collecting herbs and flowers for her alchemy, but most importantly - he pours a great deal of money into research into breaking pacts and fae.

Blythe on the other hand, tends to perform more physical acts of affection - offering to wash and oil his hair, kneading strained muscles, or make him tea or lotions using her alchemy and magic.

Their relationship is quite lowkey in public - but there is clear affection in how they behave. Due to Raha's social anxiety and desire to attract as little attention as possible, they typically don't engage in PDA, as much as Blythe would want to - but they know each other expertly (as does Lorelai, to be quite honest) as they can engage in their daily routines with no friction, and know each other needs without words.

TLDR: they have a very neutral start but are not married.

[anneangel]

Timeline of the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson!

*I had already posted this, but I deleted. I found new information as flipped through my books. So, sorry who had rebloged the previous post that I deleted, but I prefer to delete and rewrite CORRECTLY, ok?

1881 - Sherlock and Watson meet each other, through for Stamford. As per A Study in Scarlet.

1881 to 1886 - Both continue to live together in Baker Street.

1887- Watson tells us that will marry a woman, whose name he never tells us. As per, The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor

1887- Watson is married to a, no name, woman. Although his friendship with Sherlock remains and Watson even stays at Baker's when his wife is out of town. As per The Five Orange Pips.

March, 1888 - Watson remains married to an unnamed wife, according to A Scandal in Bohemia.

September, 1888 - Watson meets Mary Morstan, falls in love with and becomes engaged to her, as read in The Sign of the Four. There is no mention of what happened to the previous wife, apparently he didn't have any children either with her (I think it unlikely that she died, after all Watson never mourns her, and is soon engaged again without bereavement). It's almost as if this previous girl did NEVER exist.

1888 or 1889 or 1890??? - Watson married Mary, as read in The Adventure of the Stockbroker's Clerk. Watson says his marriage took him away from Holmes. But curiously there are some cases after his marriage where Watson is with Holmes and makes no mention of his wife (strange, isn't it?)

*that's confused me in the post I deleted, regarding the date of Watson's marriage to Mary.

Watson mentions one of his weddings being in the summer/spring and another in the fall/winter. But he does not deign to say in which he married Mary. Having met Mary in September, if he married her in the same year then it was autumn, but if he married her in summer then it is 1889.

Still, Watson says that his marriage and return to the medical profession took him away from the Holmes cases, however there are some cases where he seems to live on Baker Street in 1888 and 1889!! And this confused me earlier, whereupon I said that perhaps he was married in 1890, for how can he be married in 1888 or 1889 and also live with Holmes? Lmao.

Yes! It could just be Watson/Doyle being an unreliable narrator. But do you agree that it leaves room for doubts and assumptions/subtext?? correct?

1890 to 1891- The point is that Watson married Mary, because in The Red-Headed League, which takes place in 1890, he is married! Well, as he mentions his marriage in The Final Problem, allegedly stating that his marriage alienated him from Holmes, a case that takes place in 1891, where Holmes supposedly dies.

1894- Holmes resurfaces, and we are briefly informed that Watson's wife has died, apparently he had no children with Mary. So he returns to live with Holmes in Baker Street. As per The Adventure of the Empty House.

1895 - They aren't on Baker Street, aren' t in London, Watson refuses to say why. They weren't out on a case! (Coincidence or not, this was the year of Oscar Wilde's trial who, although married and with children, was condemned for his relationship with men). They are back in end of April and July in the The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist case and The Adventure of Black Peter case. But travel to norway after that. Return to Baker in September, as seen in the case of the Bruce-Padington plans case.

1894 to 1901 - Time they lived together in Baker Street again. In that time, Watson stops practicing his profession and sells his medical clinic (at Holmes' request), Watson does nothing more than follow Holmes on cases and write them down, curiously Holmes keeps Watson's checkbooks with him (not there is no explanation why, although assumptions are made that Watson had problems with overspending or bet) and Watson helps Holmes get off drugs too! As per The Return of Sherlock Holmes book.

*p.s: in the year 1896 there are cases where Watson says he does not live in Baker Street, as for example in The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger. However, these cases ALWAYS have narrative inconsistencies. And to other cases in 1897 where he LIVES with Holmes, as per The Adventure of the Abbey Grange.

Yes, Watson/Doyle is a miserable and unreliable narrator because many cases have DATES or DATA and inconsistent FACTS that don't fit, so that it's impossible to organize the 60 cases in chronological order, there comes a point where we get out of accuracy and we have to start to ASSUME/suppose/imagine where some several cases take place. As someone who has tried to organize, believe me, it's a never-ending headache, which is why there are different lists of Timelines. So I'm ignoring Watson's inconsistencies as a narrator in order to claim that he lived with Holmes from 1894 to 1901, okay? I'm just putting here the dates given by Watson that don't have apparent contradictions.

1902 - Watson left Baker Street, for reasons he does not tell us. Claims to live on Queen Anne Street. Although he still takes part in Cases and Turkish Baths with Holmes, as per The Adventure of the Illustrious Client.

1903 - Last cases. Sherlock regrets that Watson has left him to marry a woman (another nameless wife of Watson), so the detective is left alone to investigate the cases. As per The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier. And Watson returns to practicing medicine with a good clientele as per The Adventure of the Creeping Man.

1907 - Holmes is retired. He lives with his bees and a housekeeper he doesn't talk to much. He gets along well with the director and teachers of a school close to his house, to the point of visits, walks and swimming on the beach. Sherlock says he sees Watson on weekends. As per The Adventure of the Lion's Mane.

1908 to 1913 - Watson claims he rarely sees Sherlock, because Holmes prefers to send short telegrams rather than letters. Watson continues to write old Holmes cases whenever Holmes lets him. As per The Adventure of the Devil's Foot (which takes place in 1897, but Watson does just tell us until after Holmes is retired).

1914 -The last appearance of both at Canon. Date of the First World War. Watson had not seen Holmes for about 2 or 3 years, he thought that Holmes had become a hermit with his bees. But Holmes was actually undercover as a spy for 2 years on matters involving the war. As per His Last Bow case.

P.s: In the post I deleted mentioned that Watson got married 3 times and claims to have experience with women on 3 different continents. While Sherlock says he has never loved, has no interest in women and has his body as an appendage and is against emotions that undermine his reason. What they both think in terms of homoaffective relationships cannot be exposed since it was a crime at the time. Watson explicitly exposes to the public a fact that he is Heterosexual while Holmes seems to fit in Asexuality. However, narrative inconsistencies, narrative omissions and errors leave gaps for subtexts. Watson also admits to omitting data and facts that could expose clients or Sherlock and himself. So this also adds assumptions for subtexts.

[thejournallo]

Explain the basic: The various practices

Let's dive into it right away!

Disclaimer: Everything I will talk about in this post is all information gathered from books and online research on affidable sites. Please be aware that when reading and learning about witchcraft, you have to have multiple sources of information to learn from. I will always be here teaching, but out there are people doing the same things! (have multiple sources to learn)

In my last post about witchcraft, I talked in a general way about what witchcraft has in itself and what there is to study and know. Now we are going to talk about the many ways a witch can practice, discover, or try along the journey of becoming a witch;

Wicca: Wicca is a modern pagan witchcraft tradition founded by Gerald Gardner in the mid-20th century. It involves the worship of nature and a dual deity, the god and goddess. Wiccan practices often include the use of rituals, spells, and the observance of the Wheel of the Year.

Traditional Witchcraft: Traditional witchcraft is a term used to describe various pre-modern and folkloric practices that have been passed down through generations. These traditions often focus on practical magic, herbalism, and working with spirits and ancestors.

Kitchen Witchcraft: Kitchen witches focus on magical practices that revolve around everyday activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and gardening. They believe that magic can be found in simple, domestic tasks.

Hedge Witchcraft: Hedge witches often work with the spiritual world and practice divination, trance work, and shamanic journeying. They are known for their ability to "hedge ride" or travel between realms.

Eclectic Witchcraft: Eclectic witches draw from various traditions and practices, creating a personalized and unique path that suits their beliefs and needs. They may combine elements from different traditions and adapt them to their own practices.

Shamanic Witchcraft: This combines aspects of shamanism with witchcraft. Practitioners may work with spirits and totem animals and engage in journeying and spirit work.

Ceremonial Magic: Some witches incorporate elements of ceremonial magic into their practices, including the use of complex rituals and symbols and the summoning of spirits or deities.

Solitary Witchcraft: Many witches prefer to practice alone and are known as solitary witches. They create their rituals, spells, and magical practices without belonging to a specific coven or tradition.

Green Witchcraft: Green witches focus on herbalism, plant magic, and nature-based spirituality. They often work with the energies of the Earth and its natural elements.

Hereditary Witchcraft: Some individuals claim to have hereditary witchcraft in their family, passed down through generations. These practices can vary widely but often emphasize the importance of family traditions and rituals.

Chaos Magic: Chaos magicians embrace a more experimental and eclectic approach to magic. They often believe that belief itself is a powerful tool for creating change.

Modern Witchcraft: In recent years, witchcraft has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with a focus on self-empowerment, feminism, and personal transformation. This modern form of witchcraft often incorporates elements from various traditions.

Obviously, as there are many types of practices, there are many types of magic:

Black Magic:Black magic, also known as "dark magic" or "left-hand path magic," is often associated with practices that are considered harmful, malevolent, or morally objectionable. It is believed to involve the use of supernatural forces or rituals to bring about negative outcomes, harm others, or achieve selfish or destructive goals. Examples of practices associated with black magic may include curses, hexes, necromancy, and invoking malevolent entities. These practices are often intended to cause suffering, illness, misfortune, or even death.

White magic: White magic, also referred to as "light magic" or "right-hand path magic," is typically associated with practices that are viewed as benevolent, healing, and morally acceptable. It involves using supernatural forces or rituals for positive and ethical purposes. White magic includes practices like healing spells, protection rituals, divination for guidance, and benevolent energy work. It aims to promote well-being, positivity, and the greater good.

Blood magic: Blood magic is a form of magic that involves the use of blood, either the practitioner's own blood or the blood of animals or other individuals, as a powerful and symbolic component in rituals and spells. Blood is believed to have a strong connection to life force and vitality. In blood magic, it can be used for various purposes, including sealing oaths, making pacts with supernatural beings, enhancing the power of spells, and connecting with ancestors or deities. (NOT EVERY DEITY WILL ASK YOU FOR BLOOD. THIS IS A TYPE OF MAGIC TO LOOK UP BEFORE YOU START. Blood is a POWERFUL intrusion.

Candle Magick: This type of magick involves using candles of different colors and inscribing them with symbols or intentions. The flame and wax are used as tools to manifest one's desires.

Sigil Magick: Sigil magick involves creating a symbol, or sigil, that represents a specific intention or desire. The act of creating and focusing on the sigil is believed to help manifest the desired outcome.

Crystal Magick: Crystal magicians work with the energies of crystals and gemstones to promote healing, protection, and other intentions. Each crystal is believed to have unique properties and energies.

Elemental Magick: This form of magick focuses on the elements (earth, air, fire, water, and sometimes spirit) and their corresponding energies. Practitioners invoke and work with these elements for various purposes.

Moon Magick: Moon magicians align their magickal practices with the phases of the moon. They believe that the different phases (new moon, full moon, etc.) have specific energies that can be harnessed for different purposes.

Divination: While not traditional magick in the sense of casting spells, divination practices like tarot, runes, astrology, and scrying are often used for seeking guidance and insight into future events or understanding the present.

Necromancy: This is the practice of communicating with the dead or working with the spirits of the deceased. It can involve mediumship, seances, and rituals aimed at contacting or influencing spirits.

As said before, you are in complete control of your journey to try and practice whatever type of magic, but be respectful of the ones that are religions or traditions like voodoo or hoodoo.

Hoodoo and Rootwork: These are African American folk magick traditions that blend African, Native American, and European influences. They often involve the use of herbs, candles, oils, and other materials for practical magic.

Voodoo and Vodou: These are Afro-Caribbean religions that incorporate magickal practices. They involve working with spirits, ancestor veneration, and ritual practices.

I added a little more of what I should have added as a priority, but I think this is all for now. In case I find anything new, I will add to it and try to explain as well as I can.

As always, have a wonderful day or night! I will love to know your thoughts, and I will be here in case you have any questions.

[wrencatte]

Do you have a fav whump trope for Cal? Or my beloved Jason Todd if you don’t have one for the trauma Jedi

There is sooooo much overlap if I'm being completely honest. I have my preferences yanno? Trying to pick a favorite whump trope for a specific character would just be listing my favorite whump tropes in general (and I have soooooo many). BUT you asked a question so I'll do my best to answer....

Cal: electrocution definitely, there are a bunch of canon instances across both games from the stim introduction in fallen order, the 'trooper weapons, the Bedlam raiders, and those shock grenades that even Bode uses (did somebody say friendly fire???).

Also, falling. First off, falling is so broad. Why did he fall? Slip? Animal attack? Trooper attack? Seizure? Echo? Whump him before the impact. Second off, what did he fall onto? Water? Impact and drowning risk. Tar? Same. A creature's den? Oh boy. Into a room full of Imperials or raiders? Craggy rocks? I read a fic where someone pushed off a scrap ship on Bracca and he got impaled. The options are endless. (Also, what did he climb? One of my wips his forcing him to climb orange hot metal grating >:3c)

And then seizures and echo induced emotional breakdowns and/or catatonia, I have a fic planned where he's in solitary confinement for like a few hours at most but he gets to experience echoes of dozens of people whose confinements lasted much, much, MUCH longer - and they all died in the end. Having to experience first-hand hours, days, weeks of being utterly alone condensed into just a few hours? Echoes are soooo ripe for whump

OH AND ORDER 66 TRAUMA. That's my jam. I like it when time travel stories (I've read them all I'm 99.99% sure because I looovvveeeeee time travel fics) have him understandably freak the fuck out around clones while also struggling with the knowledge about the chips.

Jason: *gestures to all of my posted stories* How can I pick just a couple as my favorite? Can I pick a favorite fic or two and extrapolate from there? Cos let me tell you wiretrapped and dragged along were some of my favorite straight-up whump fics to write, and oh just hangin' out. I also like giving Jason panic attacks, too, I'm now realizing. Fear toxin is also so much fun - Sheila being the starring member of those hallucinations is just so good.

Thank you for the ask!! Have an avcacdo 🥑🥑(have them all! I'm allergic)